Molly Thompson Smith

Molly Thompson-Smith is a lead climber and ambassador for the British Mountaineering Council. She grew up in London’s Ladbroke Grove neighbourhood and started climbing at her local sports centre when she was just eight years old.

Biography

At 16 years old, she won the European Youth Cup and was ranked no.1 in the world. A year later, she became the first British woman to win a medal in a Lead World Cup event, finishing third in the championship in Slovenia. The following year, she won the National Championships for the second time.

A hand injury at the European Championships forced Molly to miss out on the Tokyo Olympics, but she’s now more motivated than ever to start her Paris 2024 campaign.

Not only is Molly a pioneering lead climber, but she’s also determined to do her part to widen participation. With 90% of the UK’s black population having never tried mountaineering or climbing, Molly works as an ambassador for the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to promote access to her sport.

Quick Facts

HOMETOWN
London, UK

HOMEBASE
Sheffield, UK

BIGGEST DREAM
To still be climbing (and loving it!) when I'm older.

HOW DO I FOCUS
Self-talk and breathing.

BEST ADVICE
Be curious, be bold and embrace failure.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Seeing the impact climbing can have on peoples lives. The building of community is so powerful. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY
It takes a village. 

FAVOURITE OTHER FITNESS EXCERCISE
Lifting weights.

I DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT MY...
Hot water bottle for most of the year. Otherwise snacks!

INSTAGRAM